What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the mouth, affecting areas such as the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, and throat (oropharynx). It is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires early detection and prompt treatment for better outcomes.
Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer and is most commonly squamous cell carcinoma, which develops in the thin, flat cells lining the mouth and throat.
Causes and Risk Factors
Oral cancer can develop due to multiple factors, some of which are lifestyle-related, while others are genetic or environmental.
1. Tobacco Use
✔ Smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes) increases oral cancer risk significantly.
✔ Smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco, snuff) is highly carcinogenic.
2. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
✔ Heavy alcohol use damages oral tissues, increasing susceptibility to cancer.
✔ Alcohol combined with smoking multiplies the risk.
3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
✔ HPV-16 and HPV-18 infections are major risk factors, particularly for oropharyngeal cancer.
4. Prolonged Sun Exposure
✔ Increases the risk of lip cancer.
5. Poor Oral Hygiene & Chronic Irritation
✔ Sharp teeth, ill-fitting dentures, or rough fillings can cause chronic irritation, possibly leading to cancerous changes.
6. Weak Immune System
✔ People with suppressed immune systems (e.g., HIV patients) are at higher risk.
7. Poor Diet
✔ Vitamin A, C, and E deficiencies can contribute to oral cancer risk.
8. Genetic Factors
✔ A family history of cancer may increase susceptibility.
Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Early symptoms can be mistaken for minor oral issues, making regular dental checkups crucial for detection.
✔ Persistent mouth sores that do not heal within 2 weeks.
✔ Red or white patches (leukoplakia or erythroplakia) in the mouth.
✔ Lumps, thickening, or rough patches in the mouth or throat.
✔ Chronic sore throat or hoarseness.
✔ Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue/jaw.
✔ Unexplained bleeding, numbness, or pain in the mouth.
✔ Loose teeth or ill-fitting dentures without an apparent reason.
If any of these symptoms persist, seek immediate dental or medical evaluation.
Diagnosis of Oral Cancer
✔ Clinical Examination – The dentist or doctor inspects the mouth for abnormal lesions.
✔ Biopsy – A small tissue sample is taken and analyzed for cancer cells.
✔ Imaging Tests – X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and PET scans help detect the spread.
✔ HPV Testing – Determines if HPV infection is involved in the cancer.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cancer stage, location, and overall health of the patient.
✔ Surgery – Removes the tumor and possibly affected lymph nodes.
✔ Radiation Therapy – Uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
✔ Chemotherapy – Uses drugs to kill or stop cancer cell growth.
✔ Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy – Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.
Prevention: How to Reduce Your Risk?
✅ Quit smoking and tobacco use.
✅ Limit alcohol consumption.
✅ Get vaccinated against HPV.
✅ Maintain good oral hygiene.
✅ Protect your lips from excessive sun exposure.
✅ Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
✅ Visit your dentist regularly for early detection.